10 Breakthrough Stars Of World Cup 2014

The biggest sporting extravaganza “the football World Cup” is over with Germany winning their 4th world cup while Lionel Messi’s Argentina suffered the heartbreak losing the final. World Cup was a success in so many ways, quality attacking football, great crowds, super world cup coverage on tv and social media and last but not the least we saw some raw talent some of which were never heard before. So lets take a look at 10 of the best breakthrough stares of 2014 FIFA World Cup.

#10. Matt Besler — (USA & Kansas City MLS)

Probably the best defender for United States in the world cup where they reached round of 16 and took Belgium to extra time. He was strong and powerfull in defence and the kind of performances he put together in the world cup he has already attracted attention of some decent european clubs.

#9. Enner Valencia – Ecuador & CF Pachuca

Ecuador did not live up to expectations as they crashed out of the world cup at first hurdle, but their star player was Antonio Valencia’s brother Enner Valencia who not only scored 3 goals in group games but his overall contribution to the national team was noted by some premier league clubs and we can safely say that he will be playing his trade in europe next season.

#8. DeAndre Yedlin — USA & Seattle Sounders

Clint Dempsey’s club mate DeAndre Yedlin was one of the best american players, he is full-back who likes to come forward and at the age of just 21 he delieved couple of great performances most notably against Portugal.

#7. Joel Campbell (Costa Rica & Arsenal)

Arsenal and english premier league fans will be familiar with the young forward as he is on the payrol of Arsenal but has last couple of seasons on loan deals, most recently at Olympiacos. Campbell played a massive role in Costa Rica’s success in 2014 world cup. Noboday expected them to make it through from the group stages which included three power houses of world football in Italy, England and Uruguay. He is fast, agile and has goal scoring ability which was the highlight of his 5 matches in 2014 world cup.

#6. Jackson Martinez (Colombia & FC Porto)

Martinez played in 3 of the Colombia 5 matches in world cup and provided much needed goal scoring ability in the absense of their talisman Rademal Falcao. Jackson Martinez has been playing in Portugal for FC Porto where he score goals for fun, 46 goals in 60 matches to be precise. Manchester United are already interested in forward while Liverpool are looking to make an offer for him as the prepare to splach cash made from Suarez sale.

#4. Memphis Depay — (Holland & PSV)

Depay was not expected to play big role for dutch side but Van Gaal’s 5-3-2 formation allowed him to be part of the starting lineups in 4 world cup games and he did not disappoint. He not only scored the winner against Australia but his overall contribution lead him to be nominated for FIFA Young player of the world cup award. He is already subjust to transfer rumours with couple of big Premier League clubs to looking to sign this quality 20 year old winger.

#3. Guillermo Ochoa — Mexico & Ajaccio

Ochao played a massive role to guide Mexico to round of 16 where they lost against Holland in cruel circumstances with leaking two goals in last 3 minutes of normal play. But Mexican keeper had already made headlines in group games against Brazil and Croatia. He made some of the best saves in 2014 world cup and had his team reached quarterfinals he would have been in great position to scoop the best goal keeper of the tournament award.

#2. Giancarlo Gonzalez — Costa Rica & Columbus Crew MLS

Another MLS player he made a big impact in the world cup was Costa Rica’s central defender Giancarlo Gonzalez who made himself a rock for Costa Rica and guided them to there best world cup final. Costa Rica only conceded 2 goals in open play, first in group stages and than against Greece. Gonzalez had the game of his life against Holland in a quarter final tie which they lost on penalties.

#1. Divock Origi — Belgium & Lille

Beligum had Lakuku who is a regual premier league star and everyone expected him to play a big role of Belgium but Divock Origi who plays in france for club side Lille, kept him out of the starting lineup with string of great performances. His winning goal against Russia guided Belgium to knockout out stages where they defeated USA but their world cup was ended with a defeat against Argentina. Origi however came out of the world cup as winner with many teams in europe hoping to seal his signature.